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Sangaku, or “mathematical tablet” in Japanese, are geometry problems transcribed by hand in colorful, pleasing designs onto wooden tablets. The tablets are found in temples throughout Japan, with the older Sangaku dating back to the late 17th century. The problems found on the tablets range from simple exercises to extremely difficult problems even with the benefit of modern mathematics. To better understand the role of these tablets, I focus on the people who made them and the intention in their work. My presentation also examines the history of two styles of mathematics: wasan (native Japanese mathematics) and yosan (Western mathematics). I discuss how Sangaku fit into this history as well as how they reflect traditional aesthetics of Japan. Finally, I present a few simple Sangaku that can be solved using high-school geometry.

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Japanese Temple Geometry

Kimball Theatre

Sangaku, or “mathematical tablet” in Japanese, are geometry problems transcribed by hand in colorful, pleasing designs onto wooden tablets. The tablets are found in temples throughout Japan, with the older Sangaku dating back to the late 17th century. The problems found on the tablets range from simple exercises to extremely difficult problems even with the benefit of modern mathematics. To better understand the role of these tablets, I focus on the people who made them and the intention in their work. My presentation also examines the history of two styles of mathematics: wasan (native Japanese mathematics) and yosan (Western mathematics). I discuss how Sangaku fit into this history as well as how they reflect traditional aesthetics of Japan. Finally, I present a few simple Sangaku that can be solved using high-school geometry.

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